Context: China and Pakistan signed a new memorandum of understanding to boost their already close military relations.

• Both countries discussed “matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defence collaboration” along with on-going projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in which the Pakistani military is playing an increasingly prominent role.
  • The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an economic route stretching from western China through Pakistan to the Indian Ocean coast.
  • It is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

‘ All-weather friendship’

• Both sides “reaffirmed their commitment to ‘iron brotherhood’ and ‘all-weather’ Friendship.”
• While details of the new MoU signed by the two militaries were not immediately available, it follows another agreement signed last year.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-and-pakistan-sign-military-deal-amid-tensions-with-india/article33219358.ece?homepage=true

Download PDF